Film unit

ABSTRACT

A photographic film unit of the self-processing type includes an image-recording portion with attached fluid accommodating or reservoir means for supplying and collecting a processing fluid (e.g. a pod and trap). The fluid supplying means is initially in communication with the leading end of the image-recording portion, but is disposed in front of the image-recording portion (with respect to the direction of viewing the final print) during exposure and is movable relative thereto into substantially coplanar relationship therewith for processing. Thereafter, the fluid supplying means or reservoir is further movable with respect to the image-recording portion for improving the final appearance of the film unit after processing without generating any necessarily disposable waste by placing the supplying means behind the image-recording portion. The movable portion is substantially flat and, in accordance with one feature, is approximately equal in area to the area of the image-recording portion, to evenly cover the entire side of the image-recording portion oppposite from the print-viewing side. The fluid collecting means is located within the borders of the film unit rendering its movement or removal after processing unnecessary. Moreover, the present film unit is arranged to be completely and automatically formed in the camera so that no manipulation by the user is necessary after removal from the camera.

United States Patent 1 Harvey Oct. 23, 1973 FILM UNIT [75] lnventorz.Donald M. Harvey, Webster, NY.

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Sept. 7, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 178,048

[52] US. Cl. 96/76 R [51] Int. Cl. G03c 1/48 [58] Field of Search 96/76,29; 95/15 .[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,589,904 6/1971Chen 96/76 C 3,582,335 6/1971 Erlichman. 96/76 C 2,558,856 7/1951 Land95/13 3,680,456 8/1972 Nerwin 96/76 Primary Examiner-Norman G. TorchinAssistant Examiner-John L. Goodrow Att0rneyR0bert F. Crocker et al.

[57] ABSTRACT A photographic film unit of the self-processing typeincludes an image-recording portion with attached fluid accommodating orreservoir means for supplying and collecting a processing fluid (e.g. apod and trap). The fluid'supplying means is initially in communicationwith the leading end of the image-recording portion, but is disposed infront of the image-recording portion (with respect to the direction ofviewing the final print) during exposure and is movable relative theretointo substantially coplanar relationship therewith for processing.Thereafter, the fluid supplying means or reservoir is further movablewith respect to the image-recording portion for improving the finalappearance of the film unit after processing without Moreover, thepresent film unit is arranged to be completely and automatically formedin the camera so that no manipulation by the user is necessary afterremoval from the camera.

4 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures mtmiuomzams 3.761.405 SHEET 10F 2 ?FIG. 4

DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY PATENTS] URI 2 3 I975 SHEET 2 BF 2 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

AT TORNE Y FILM UNIT I BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present inventionrelates to photographic film units of the self-processing type, and morespecifically to such units including various fluid accommodating means,or reservoir means such as supply containers or pods, and collectingstructures or traps, for handling processing fluids.

General Features and Forms of Self-Processing Film Units While aself-processing film unit can take any of several different forms, theygenerally include an imagerecording portion that is defined by aphotosensitive element and a process sheet. The photosensitive elementincludes one or more radiation sensitive layers for recording a latentimage that is processable to effect the establishment of a visiblypresentable image, while the process sheet aids in the distribution of afluid over the photosensitive element to effect such processing. Thefluid accommodating or reservoirmeans, on the other hand, generallyinclude a container in communication with the leading end of therecording portion for supplying the processing fluid, and a collector incommunication with the trailing end for receiving any excess of thecomposition.

In operation, the film unit is moved through processing means thatdistribute the contents of the container in a layer of appropriatethickness between the photosensitive element and the process sheet, anddirect any Pat. No. 1,224,372. Other examples, wherein theimage-receiving layer is associated with the photosensitive element, aredisclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Application Ser. No. 869,186entitled PHOTO- GRAPI-IIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFUSION TRANS- FER PROCESSING,and Ser. No. 43,322 entitled PHOTOGRAPl-IIC FILM UNIT, both filed in thename of HE. Cole now U.S. Pat. No. 3,672,272.

The present invention is illustrated and described with a preregistered,integral film unit, and has particular utility therewith. However,certain of its features also might be applied to certain embodiments ofpeelapart units.

Exemplary Problems Often Encountered With Previously KnownSelf-Processing Film Units While self-processing film units offerseveral advantages over conventional film, they also involve sevexcessinto the collector. The distributed processing 7 fluid then permeatesthe radiation sensitive layers to effect processing of the latent imageand establishment of the visibly presentable image. I

In the most well known form of such film units, the process sheet isinitially separated or spaced from the exposure side of thephotosensitive element, to permit its exposure, and then is brought intoa superposed or registered relationship with that side for processing.The visible imageis established in an imagef-receiving layer associatedwith the process sheet, and that sheet is'separated from the exposureside of the photosensitive element to define the final print. These filmunits can be referred to as being of a post-registeredf peel apart typein reference, respectively, to the initial and final relative positionsof the photosensitive element and process sheet. Post-registeredidentifies the feature of registration after exposure, while peel-apartidentifies the feature requiring removal of the process sheet to obtainthe final print. An example of a postregistered, peel-apart film unit isillustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,080,805.

In other forms of self-processing film units, the photosensitive elementand process sheet are registered or superposed prior to exposure,preferably at the time of manufacture, and remain in substantially thesame condition during and after exposure and processing. Ordinarily theprocess sheet is transparent, to permit exposure of the photosensitiveelement, and that element remains permanently attached to the processsheet as part of the final print. These film units can be referred to asbeing of a preregistered and integral type, again referring to theinitial and final relative positions of the photosensitive element andprocess sheet. Examples of this later type of film unit, wherein theimage-receiving layer is most closely associated with the process sheet,are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,415,644 and in British eral troublesomeproblem areas that have been the subject of intensive study. Moreover,this has continued to be the case even though at least several of theproblems relate to ecology, consumer convenience, and/or other areasthatare significant to the commercial success of this product.

By way of example only, considerable resources have been expended inattempts to provide improved means for handling certain materials suchas the containers or pods and collectors or traps, that serve theirprimary function during processing and essentially comprise waste afterthat function is accomplished. As a result, numerous approaches havebeen presented that range from reliance on the consumer for properseparation and disposal of such materials, to the provision of cameramechanisms for automatically separating and collecting the wastematerials.

Each of the above approaches has particular advantages, and generallyoperate satisfactorily for its intended purpose. However, each alsosuffers from certain disadvantages, at least under certain operatingconditions. Reliance on the consumer to separate and properly dispose ofwaste materials permits substantial camera simplication and reducedcosts, but is not considered to be very reliable in obtaining properwaste disposal. Separation and collection of the waste materials byvarious camera mechanisms can be nearly percent reliable in collectingthe waste materials, but normally requires more complex and expensivecamera mechanisms, as well as increased size and bulkiness of thecamera. Additionally, in almost all of the presently known film unitswhere waste materials are intended to be separated from the final print,there is an added problem in that the processing fluid may leak from thewaste materials or the print itself.

Still further, and referring now only to the presently preferredpreregistered, integral film unit that is illustrated and described inpreviously mentioned U.S. Application Ser. No. 869,186, the back of thefinal print ordinarily must be a transparent material such as clearplastic, and may have an off-white or even mottled appearance fromcarbon black in the processing fluid. The plastic may make writing onthe print difficult, and some consumers may find the colorobjectionable.

I-leretofore, preregistered integral film units having animage-recording portion have been devised with a container or pod andcollector or trap permanently attached to leading and trailing endsthereof, respectively, wherein one or both of the pod and trap arefoldable to a position behind the image-recording portion afterprocessing has been initiated. These preregistered, integral film unitshave had a substantially flat element that is movable into engagementwith the back side of the image-recording portion after processing hasbeen initiated to enhance the properties of that side of the recordingportion. See, for example, copending U.S. Application Ser. No. 178,235entitled FILM UNIT and filed simultaneously herewith in the name of JohnA. Mathews.

However, in all such prior film units it has been considered necessaryfor the initial size of the film unit to be larger than the size of thefinal print by an area at least substantially equal to the area of thefluid accommodating or reservoir means, i.e. the area of the pod and/orthe trap. This, of course, has dictated larger film pack configurationsand larger camera sizes without increasing the size of the final print.

Moreover, while the above-identified applications disclose film unitshaving a smaller initial size compared to the size of the final print,than that possible with other prior art arrangements, it still has beennecessary for the user to perform several sequential folding steps inorder to obtain the final print. It has been found that the fewer suchsteps that are necessary, the easier it is for the user and the betterthe customer acceptance of the product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides aselfprocessing film unit, which has an image-recording portion and aprocessing-fluid accommodating means that includes means movablerelative to the imagerecording portion from a first position, forsupplying the processing fluid, to a second position that issubstantially hidden from view. The fluid accommodating or reservoirmeans is arranged in the initial configuration of the film unit so thatthe initial area thereof is substantially equal to the final print size.

More particularly, the movable means is arranged so that only a singlefolding step must be performed to obtain the final print, and this canbe automatically accomplished by a relatively simple camera mechanism asthe film unit is ejected therefrom.

More particularly, the present invention provides a photographic filmunit comprising a plurality of relatively stiff sheet-like sections, atleast one surface of each being substantially planar. Relativelyflexible means are arranged to connect the sections together, end toend, whereby the sections are movable into a position with the planarsurfaces facing in the same direction. One of the sections constitutesan imagerecording section including a photosensitive element forrecording a latent image that is processable upon the application of aprocessing fluid thereto to establish a visible image. A layer coveringthe photosensitive element forms the front surface of the section atwhich such image is visible after processing. The outer surface of thelayer constitutes the planar surface of the one section. The other ofthe sections is movable by virtue of the flexible connecting meanslongitudinally from juxtaposition with the front surface of the onesection into substantially coplanar relationship therewith and then ismovable into juxtaposed relationship with the back surface of the onesection substantially in register therewith.

Further, the present invention provides a selfprocessing film unitwherein the processing-fluid accommodating means remain after processingas a permanent part of the final print without detracting substantiallyfrom its aesthetic appearance.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a preregisteredintegral film unit having an imagerecording portion with a container orpod and collector or trap permanently attached to leading and trailingends thereof, respectively, wherein the trap is sufficiently small thatit can be located within the borders of the film unit rendering itsmovement or removal unnecessary and the pod is foldable to a positionengaging one side of the image-recording portion after processing hasbeen initiated.

The present invention also provides a film unit of the above typeivherein the foldable portion of the pod is substantially equal in areato the area of the imagerecording portion.

More specifically, the present invention provides a preregistered,integral film unit of the self-processing type having a substantiallyflat element that is movable into engagement with one side of theimage-recording portion after processing has been initiated to enhancethe properties of that side of the recording portion.

A further object of the invention is to provide a preregistered,integral film unit having a trap with a thickness substantially equal tothe final thickness of the film unit after the pod is folded, resultingin a film unit that has a uniform final thickness. Moreover, a film packformed of a plurality of such film units also has a substantiallyuniform thickness.

The invention, and its objects and advantages, will become more apparentin the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presentedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects andadvantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilledin the art from the following detailed description read in conjunctionwith the attached drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate likeelements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view representing a single film unit partiallyexpanded and partially in section, in its initial configuration inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the film unit depicted in FIG. 1, with thecontainer extended for processing;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the film unit depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2with the container and collector completely folded in their finalpositions covering the back surface of the image-recording portion; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded pictorial view of the film unit in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to thedrawings, a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated,comprising a selfprocessing film unit 10 including an image-recordingportion 12, and processing-fluid accommodating or reservoir means suchas supply and collecting means 14 and 16, respectively.

The image-recording portion is adapted to record a latent image that isprocessable by a fluid or composition, and for this purpose is providedwith a first or photosensitive element 18, that is suitable forsupporting the latent image, and a second element or process sheet 20,for aiding in distributing the fluid over the element.

Image-Recording Portion.

The preferred image-recording portion is of the preregistered, integraltype, wherein the process sheet 20 is permanently secured to thephotosensitive element 18 along their lateral edges, and remains insubstantially the same physical arrangement during exposure and afterprocessing. Further details of such a recording portion are describedand illustrated in commonly assigned, copending U.S. Application Ser.No. 70,836, entitled FILM UNIT, and filed on Sept. 9, 1970 in the nameof H. Nerwin.

The photosensitive element 18 is formed of resiliently flexiblematerials and includes one or more radiation sensitive layers forrecording the latent image as well as a mordant, or other appropriatelayer, for receiving a visibly presentable image that is establishedduring processing of the latent image. Since this element serves tosupport both the latent image and the visibly presentable image, itoften is referred to as an integral negative-receiver.

The process sheet 20 also is formed of resiliently flexible materials,and cooperates with the photosensitive element 18 to providearectangular unit having straight edges and square-corners, as well asother properties facilitating its handling in photographic apparatus.While the laterial edges of the sheet are permanently secured to thephotosensitive element, such as by adhesively bonded areas 19, aspreviously mentioned, the central portions are resiliently separable topermit distributionof the processing fluid, and the ends are not bondedtogether but are bonded at 21 to the funnel 27 and at 23 to'the trap 32to permit introduction of the fluid between the element and sheet at theleading end and collection of any excess from therebetween at thetrailing end. Further details ofthe photosensitive element and processsheet are describedand illustrated in the aforementioned commonlyassigned copending U.S. Application Ser. No. 869,186 now abandoned.

The preferred image-recording portion 12 is adapted to be exposed andviewed from opposite sides, with the image-receiving layer or mordantbeing located where it is visible (in the case of a reflection print)from a first side or surface 22 (FIG. 3), and the radiation sensitivelayers being exposable from the opposite side or surface 24. Suchviewing and exposure can be permitted by using transparent materials,both as a support for the image-receiving or mordant layer, and as theprocess sheet, to define the substantially clear protective coverings onboth sides of the recording portion.

While the major area of the image-recording portion on the first sidethereof is intended to be occupied by the final print 25 it also willordinarily include a white and preferably uniform border that surroundsthe peripheral portions of the print in a well known manner.

Although the present invention has particular utility withimage-recording portions of the above described type, at least certainof its features also are applicable to other types, such as integralunits that are adapted to be exposed and viewed from the same side, asdisclosed in previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,415 ,644,'or certainembodiments of peel-apart units.

Processing Fluid Accommodating Means The preferred fluid accommodatingmeans includes a supply means 14 for discharging the processing fluidbetween the photosensitive element 18 and process sheet 20 at theleading end of the unit, and a collecting mechanism 16 for receiving anyexcess of the fluid from therebetween at the trailing end.

The supply means can take many different forms ranging from those havingmany different parts with each serving separate functions, to thosehaving only one or a few parts with each serving many functions. Asillustrated, the supply mechanism encompasses three basic partscomprising a container or pod 26 of the processing fluid which isarranged to supply the processing fluid, a funnel or'conduit 27 arrangedto direct the fluid from the pod to the leading end of theimage-recording portion between the photosensitive element 18 andprocess sheet 20, and a support or carrier 28 that also is adapted toserve as a covering element in a manner to be described hereinafter.

Container 26 can be of any suitable type known to those skilled in theart, and usually will include various vapor impervious andappearance-improving materials such as a plastic inner layer, alead-foil intermediate layer and an outer paper wrapping, thatcontribute to provide a relatively stiff or nonresilient structure ascompared to the image-recording portion. The container is sealed aroundits periphery to provide a cavity for the processing fluid, but isadapted to release that fluid from one edge upon the application to thecontainer of a mechanical stress usually provided by juxtaposedpressure-applying members in related photographic apparatus in a mannerwell known in the art.

As is well known in the art, the funnel or conduit 27 is utilized toreceive the fluid releasing edge of the container 26 therebetween as at29, for directing processing fluid discharged from the container to theleading end of the image-recording portion with little or no possibilityof leakage. The funnel is used to form the connection between thecontainer 26 and the imagerecording portion 12 and to permit therelative movement of such container and carrier between the respectivepositions illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The leading end of thefunnel is attached to the carrier at the container and the trailing endis attached to the imagerecording portion. The intermediate portion ofthe funnel, however, is not attached to either the carrier or theimage-recording portion so as to permit longitudinal movementtherebetween. Moreover, the funnel of the present invention issufficiently elongated as to permit recording portion. The previouslymentioned container 26 and the leading portion of the funnel arepermanently attached to one side of the carrier 28, and this sidepreferably is treated with a suitable material for facilitating suchattachment, as well as for protecting the carrier from any of theprocessing fluid. The side of the carrier opposite from the container,on the other hand, provides a surface that is suitable for receiving inkor other writing materials to facilitate print identification.

The fluid collecting means or trap 16 is preferably of the rigid typelocated permanently within the borders of the film unit rendering itsmovement or removal after processing unnecessary. One example of such atrap construction is disclosed and claimed in my U.S. Application Ser.No. 178,046 entitled Fluid Receiving Means and filed simultaneouslyherewith. As disclosed in that application, the trap comprises aninflatable bladder 32 having an opening in the leading end thereof whichis sandwiched or interposed between the trailing portion of thephotosensitive sheet 18 and the process sheet 20. The bladder is formedof any suitable strong pliable material such as polyethylene or the likethat is inert to the processing fluid. The processing and- /orphotosensitive sheets may be provided with staggered openings in the endportion thereof which permit the bladder to expand and yet providestructural strength and rigidity to the trap structure. Alternatively,the trap strength and rigidity may be provided by a rigid molded plasticstructure attached to the trailing end of the image-recording portion.The bladder is preferably initially evacuated and limp so that theexcess processing fluid from the trailing end of the imagerecordingportion is readily introduced into the bladder, causing it to expand tothe extend necessary to accept the excess processing fluid.

Since the expandable bladder is soft and pliable it is necessary toprovide a protective covering thereto to prevent inadvertent rupturethereof and any subsequent leakage. Thus, a rigid elongated shell-likecover 34 of substantially U-shaped cross sectionis provided which isslipped over the ends of the sheets 18 and 20. The cover is made of anysuitable rigid material such as plastic and is preferably held in placeby sealing the sides to the photosensitive and process sheets by anysuitable means. Since the overall thickness of the trap assembly isslightly greater than the thickness of the laminated sheets, at leastone of the top or bottom sides of the cover 34 may be provided with aninclined ramp at the leading end (not shown) for spreading the rollersand facilitating movement of the cover through the rollers. The covernot only provides a rigid surface that prevents the rollers frompressing on the filled bladder causing fluid in the trap to flow backbetween the photosensitive and process sheets to deleteriously affectthe processing action, but it also provides a rigid, smooth surface uponwhich data may be recorded by the user. I

It will be noted that with a trap assembly having a greater thicknessthan usual for such structures, the other dimensions, i.e. the length inparticular, can be significantly reduced without a correspondingreduction in fluid capacity. Thus, this trap structure can remain as apermanent part of the final print without unduly detracting from theappearance thereof, and adding only slightly to the overall length.While this trap does have an increased thickness, this does not detractfrom the appearance of the final print and, as will become more apparenthereafter, actually enhances the appearance of the final print.

' escape therefrom. This is not meant, however, to preclude anydesirable escape from the system of water or other possible neutralcomponents of the fluid.

Additionally, while the components of the fluid supplying means areillustrated in FIG. 1 as being spaced slightly from the image-recordingportion, this is only for clarity, and in actual use are substantiallycontiguous therewith, with only the thickness of the pod 26 and funnel27 therebetween.

When the film unit is intended for use in a camera utilizing pickermembers or fingers of the general type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,511,152, to initially remove the film unit from the pack and/or to feedthe film unit between the pressure applying members, the leading end ofthe support 28 is provided with means such as openings 56 arranged, whenthe film unit is in its initial position in the film pack, to be engagedby the picker fingers. The leading edge of the support 28 is originallydisposed slightly ahead of the leading edge of the image-recordingportion to permit the picker finger to engage the openings 56. Thus thepicker fingers are arranged to enter into the openings 56 and to movethe fluid supply means 14 longitudinally of the film unit intoengagement with the pressure members. To assure that the remainder ofthe film unit is not also moved longitudinally by the picker fingers,the trailing end of the lateral edges of the trap cover 34 is providedwith notches 60 which engage a rib in either the film cartridge or thecamera and prevent premature movement of the image-recording element.

Referring now to the operation of the film unit, it is intended to besupplied in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 with the supplyfluid accommodating or reservoir means, including carrier 28, disposedadjacent and superposed with the first surface 22 of the imagerecordingportion 12. The funnel 27 is folded between carrier 28 and the firstsurface 22 of the imagerecording portion and extends from the pod 26 tothe leading end of the image-recording portion. The trap 34 ispermanently connected to the trailing end of the image-recordingportion. After exposure of the photosensitive element, the pickerfingers, or other means, move the carrier 28 longitudinally of the filmunit in the direction of arrow 64 to between a pair of juxtaposedpressure-applying members discharging the processing fluid from the pod26 into the funnel 27, which is by then moved into coplanar relationshipwith the imagerecording portion 12. As the supply means is moved furtherthrough pressure-applying members, such as by means of driven rollers,the funnel is completely straightened between the pod 26 and the leadingend of the image-recording portion, facilitating the delivery of theprocessing fluid from the pod to the photosensitive element, and thelongitudinal force is then directly applied to the end of theimage-recording portion via funnel 27. While up to this time thefrictional force between the carrier 28 and the image-recording portion12 has not been sufficient to overcome therestraint provided by theengagement of notches 60 with the previously. mentioned rib, the directforce applied to the leading end of the image-recording portion 12 bythe funnel 27 in the direction of arrow 64 is sufficient to overcome therestraint provided by notches 60 and the image-recording portion and theattached trap are then pulled through the pressure applying members,spreading the processing fluid over the photosensitive element andintroducing the excess into the trap causing the bladder 32 to expand.At this point the film unit may be completely outside of the camera andwill have a configuration substantially that shown in FIG. 2. Thus, thelatent image is processed and the visible image is established byrupturing the container 26, distributing the processing fluid throughthe funnel 27 and between the photosensitive element 18 and processsheet 20, and collecting of any excess fluid in the collecting trap 34.As described in the previously mentioned U.S.-Application Ser. No.869,186, the processing fluid preferably includes an opacifier, thatcooperates with an opaque layer in the photosensitive element, to permitimmediate withdrawal of the film unit from the camera where processingis completed.

During processing and after removal from the camera, the trap provides aconvenient appendage-for handling the film unit without contacting theimagerecording portion. After processing, however, the trapissufficiently small that it doesnot detract from the aestheticappearance of the finished print, at least insofar as photographers havebecome used to conven-. tional prints having uniform boarders.

When the present film unit is intended for use in a camera that isadapted to automatically fold the film unit as it is ejected therefrom,as disclosed in my copending US. Application Ser. No. 177,934 entitledPHOTOGRAPl-IIC APPARATUS,-and filed simultaneously herewith, the carrier28 is automatically folded inthe direction of arrow 42 (FIGS.2 and 3)after it passes through the pressure-applying members. The carrier isfolded about'the juncture of the carrier with the image-recordingportion using the funnel 27 as a hinge until the carrier engages and issuperposed with the back surface of the print. The fluid supplycontainer 26, being supported on or being a part of the carrier, is alsofolded from the after-processing position, substantially coplanar withthe image-recording portion, to the back-surface thereof and is enclosedbetween the back surface of theimage-recording portion and the carrier.In this manner the final print is ready for viewing upon the completionof processing without requiring any manipulation by the user.

Alternatively, the present film unit may be fed from.

the camera without being automatically folded, in which case it willhave the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2. It is then a very simplematter for the user to manually perform the folding step to obtain thefinal print.

As previously noted, the trap structure has a thickness greater than thethickness of the image-recording portion. This additional thickness ispreferably arranged to extend from the second surface 24 of the filmunit. Thus when the carrier 28 is folded into engagement with thissecond surface after processing, the end thereof mates with the leadingend of the trap structure to provide a final print having asubstantiallysmooth back surface and a uniform thickness.

. The border of surface 24 of the image-recording portion, and carrier28 which is finally superposed therewith, are provided with a layer ofcohesive that holds the 'film unit in the final configurationillustrated in FIG. 3. Alternatively, other adhesives may be used and,depending upon the type of adhesive, may be applied to only the areasnoted above or to other areas. It will be noted, however, that with theuse of the cohesives there is no problem of blocking, i.e. stickingtogether, of adjacent film units within the film pack since all of thecohesive areas on one film unit are isolated from any of the cohesiveareas on an adjacent film unit.

As previously mentioned, the folding is facilitated by the flexiblenature of the attaching elements along such lines. Additionally, thefolding can be accomplished without adversely affecting any of thepreviously mentioned seals that provide a closed, substantiallyleakproof system.

In accordance with particularly advantageous features of the invention,the foldable supply means is equal in length and width to theimage-recording portion, and has an area equal to that of theimagerecordingportion, such that it cooperates in its final position tocompletely cover the second, back surface and to provide a smooth, flatback for the print. Moreover, the carrier serves as a cover forcapturing the fluid container or pod 26 between the carrier and thesecond surface of the image-recording portion. In this manner, theappearance of the print is further improved and the sealed enclosureprevents the escape of any remaining fluid in the fluid accommodating orreservoir means.

More particularly, the elongated funnel 27 between the pod or container26 and the leading end of the image-recording portion providessignificantly improved fluid distribution to the photosensitive element,improving the uniformity of fluid supply thereto and the resultingimage.

Still other advantages can be accomplished by selection of the materialsor form of the supply means or its carrier. For example, in its finalposition, it can serve to stiffen the final print and to provide aconvenient paper surface, or the like, to facilitate writing or theplacing of other identifying indicium on the back of the print.Moreover, since it preferably is equal in area to the area of theimage-recording portion, the container or pod can have relatively largeperipheral dimensions with corresponding small or flat thicknessdimensions while still having sufficient capacity to handle anappropriate amount of the processing fluid. This, in turn, facilitatesthe design of flat film packs and cameras for use with assemblages ofthe film units. Still further, the relatively stiffproperties of thepods or its carrier facilitates its handling in the photographicapparatus.

It should now be apparent that the present invention provides aself-processing film unit having unique structural features andsignificant advantages not present in previously known units of thisgeneral type. Moreover, at least certain features of the invention havespecial utility and advantages in preregistered, integral film units,and especially when applied to such film units that are adapted to beexposed and viewed from opposite sides thereof.

More particularly, the present invention provides a film unit which, inits initial configuration, has a size substantially equal to that of thefinal print resulting in smaller film packs and cameras with theadvantages inherent therewith. This film unit is also adaptable tosimple automatic manipulation by simple, inexpensive camera apparatuswhich permits the final print to be delivered from the camera withoutrequiring any manipulation by the user. Moreover, as the final printemerges from the camera, the print surface is not covered or obscured byany portion of the film unit which must subsequently be removed by theuser.

When all of its features are combined, the present invention can providea-substantially closed fluid handling system that substantiallyeliminates any probability of leakage with an initial configurationsmaller than any film unit previously known, substantially equal in areato the area of the final print. Moreover, the various fluidaccommodating means are accounted for after processing without requiringtheir separation from the rest of the film unit or having to accepttheir detraction from the aesthetic appearance of the final print. Infact, while such means previously were usually considered waste afterprocessing had been initiated, in accordance with the present inventionthey can be utilized for handling the film unit during processing andfor enhancing various properties of the print after its processing.Still further, the film units are particularly conducive to use withsimplified camera mechanisms and relatively flat film packs and cameras.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference toa preferred embodiment thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scopeof the invention.

I claim:

1. In a self-processing film unit comprising:

a substantially planar image-recording portion having leading andtrailing ends, said image-recording portion including a photosensitiveelement for recording a latent image that is processable to establish avisible image viewable from a first surface of the image-recordingportion, and a process sheet attached to the photosensitive element foraiding in the distribution of a processing fluid over said element toeffect such processing;

fluid supplying means for supplying said processing fluid, saidsupplying means being rupturable for discharging said fluid; and

means for attaching said supplying means to the leading end of saidimage-recording portion and for directing said fluid, after it isdischarged, to said leading end for distribution between saidphotosensitive element and process sheet, said attaching means includinga funnel adjacent said leading end arranged to permit longitudinalmovement of said supplying means between one position in juxtapositionwith the first surface of said image-recording portion to a secondposition extending away from the leading end of and in substantially thesame plane as said image-recording portion and to still another positionagainst a second surface of said image-recording portion; theimprovement comprising:

a fluid collecting means rigidly attached to the trailing end of saidimage-recording portion.

2. The self-processing film unit according to claim 1 wherein the backsurface of said supplying means, when juxtaposed with the second surfaceof said imagerecording portion, is substantially coplanar with the backsurface of said fluid collecting means.

3. The self-processing film unit according to claim I wherein said fluidcollecting means includes a flexible bladder for receiving fluid fromsaid image-recording portion.

4. The self-processing film unit according to claim 3 wherein said fluidcollecting means has a substantially rigid outer shell.

2. The self-processing film unit according to claim 1 wherein the backsurface of said supplying means, when juxtaposed with the second surfaceof said image-recording portion, is substantially coplanar with the backsurface of said fluid collecting means.
 3. The self-processing film unitaccording to claim 1 wherein said fluid collecting means includes aflexible bladder for receiving fluid from said image-recording portion.4. The self-processing film unit according to claim 3 wherein said fluidcollecting means has a substantially rigid outer shell.